Intracellular delivery, imaging and drug-sensing using a plasmonic-enhanced hybrid nanostystem

¹ National Research Council, Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “G. Salvatore”, Second Unit, Naples 80131, Italy
² National Research Council, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, Naples 80131, Italy
³ National Research Council, Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems, Unit of Naples, Naples 80131, Italy

^* Corresponding author: Ilaria Rea: ilaria.rea@na.isasi.cnr.it Anna Chiara De Luca: annachiara.deluca@cnr.it Enza Lonardo: enza.lonardo@igb.cnr.it

Published online: 31 October 2024

Abstract

Metastasis stands as the leading cause of mortality among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Galunisertib (LY2157299, LY) is a small molecule demonstrating promising anti-cancer effects by targeting the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway. This route plays a pivotal role in initiating the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a critical process for metastatic spread. Unfortunately, LY chronic treatment causes undesired effects. To mitigate these side effects, nanoscale drug delivery systems have emerged as a transformative approach in cancer treatment, enhancing drug effectiveness while minimizing toxicity. In this study, we introduce a hybrid nanosystem (DNP-AuNPs-LY@Gel) comprising porous diatomite nanoparticles decorated with plasmonic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), encapsulating LY within a gelatin shell. This multifunctional nanosystem demonstrates efficient LY delivery, EMT reversal in CRC 2D and 3D cultures, and anti-cancer effects in vivo. Moreover, the nanosystem allowed the quantification with sub-femtogram resolution of the drug intracellularly released using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The release of LY is triggered by CRC cell acidic microenviroment. Real-time monitoring of drug release at the single-cell level is achieved by analyzing SERS signals of LY within CRC cells. The heightened efficacy of LY delivery through the DNP-AuNPs-LY@Gel complex offers a promising alternative strategy for reducing drug dosages and subsequent undesired effects.